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Data collection » Data Futures » Data Futures: The programme

Data Futures: The programme

Updated: 2 Feb 2023

In this page:

Programme timeline

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Programme headlines and milestones

  • The Alpha phase ran from May 2021 to January 2022.
  • The Beta phase launched February 2022 and ran until November 2022.
  • Data needs to be collected in the new format from 1 August 2022​, using the 22056 specification.
  • The 2022/23 collection will be an annual collection hosted on the HESA Data Platform (HDP), using the 22056 data specification.
  • The HESA Data Platform (HDP) will open for the 2022/23 collection in March 2023.
  • The 2023/24 collection will be an annual collection.
  • The 2024/25 collection will be an in-year collection, made up of two reference periods: read our in-year announcement.

Background to the programme

The Data Futures transformation programme will facilitate in-year data collection, assurance and dissemination of HE data.

A new data collection platform, the HESA Data Platform (HDP) will enable the provision of data to Statutory Customers for the Student record. In addition, it will deliver a more efficient system for HE providers to submit and quality assure their data leading to operational efficiencies.

The programme, led by HESA and delivered with Jisc will deliver a range of benefits for Statutory Customers, HE Providers, HESA and the HE sector.

Engagement and programme governance

Greater data utility

  • Timely, high-quality data to support effective regulation and decision-making in relation to the UK HE sector.
  • Improved management information for HE providers.

Statutory data efficiencies

  • More efficient data return and quality assurance process for HE providers.
  • Better alignment of regulatory and statutory data returns through a single model that connects with the increasingly diverse range of administrative business processes in HE providers.

Maintaining data quality

  • Ensure appropriate data quality for national statistics products.
  • Providing fit for purpose data for regulation and statutory purposes.

Data Futures announcements

Please note, we send operational updates via the HESA weekly update.

We publish strategic updates as announcements on the HESA website, as linked below.

In-year announcement: sent to operational contacts

Data Futures programme update April 2022: sent to Accountable Officers / heads of provider and senior contacts 

Data Futures programme update September 2021: sent to Accountable Officers / heads of providers and senior contacts

Support and resources

For further information or queries, please email [email protected].